Path to Permanent Residency in New Zealand

For those aspiring to make New Zealand their long-term home, getting a permanent residency (PR) is an important milestone. Today we will discuss the various applications to PR, the eligibility criteria, and the step-by-step application process. Stay with us till the end to understand everything that is necessary for permanent residency in New Zealand.

Why New Zealand?

New Zealand is predominantly an island country, with warm citizens, a moderate climate, and international living and education standards. Interestingly, New Zealand’s capital, Auckland has been designated as ‘one of the most affordable cities to live in the world’.

From the best culture, living conditions, cuisine, and merit education to quality work-life balance, New Zealand ticks all the boxes as a destination for advanced education. All these factors, collectively make New Zealand one of the most preferred countries for foreign students, especially for Indian students who desire to pursue higher education abroad.

It is home to major league universities. Some of them are the University of Auckland, the University of Otago, and the University of Canterbury. New Zealand offers a large number of Master’s courses in Information and Technology, Management Studies, Cyber Security and Crime Science, Digital Business, International Trade, etc.

The Master’s Options in New Zealand

In the current scenario, most often a mere graduate degree fails to garner the attention of many employers. All they wish to use is ‘professional’ employees, who are already well aware of their domain of work. For this, students generally prefer to opt for professional Master’s courses. And that too, from foreign destinations such as the US, Canada, New Zealand, Germany, and Australia. The combination of a professional course from a foreign university promises better employment opportunities and work life. Besides, places such as Canada, New Zealand, and Australia that offer Permanent Residency (PR) options; tend to feature at the top of student’s favorite list.

The Master’s Courses in New Zealand

New Zealand offers a wide range of masters courses. Especially Masters of Science (MS) courses, spread across two years. In New Zealand, a semester session generally starts around February and lasts up to November. Universities offering MS courses are:

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  Eastern Institute of Technology, Napier
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  NorthTec, Whangarei
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  University of Canterbury, Christchurch
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  Toi Ohmai Institute of Technology, Rotorua, 
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  Otago Polytechnic, Auckland
• 
  University of Auckland, Auckland

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

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  A valid undergraduate degree from a recognized tertiary institution.
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  English Skill Test (These are IELTS- 6.5 (no band less than 6.0), TOEFL iBT-90 (least 20 in Writing), PTE Academic Module-58 Omit (least 50 in communicative skills) or the English Cambridge Test- 180 score)

Eligibility Criteria for the PR Process in New Zealand

The basic eligibility criteria to obtain a PR Visa in New Zealand are as follows:

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  Age less than 55 years
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  Proficiency in English
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  Good health
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  Good character, no criminal record
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  Job offer in hand (for a sponsored work visa)
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  Proof of your intent to stay

One can apply for a PR visa in New Zealand through various categories. Some of them are listed as follows:

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  Skilled Migrant Category
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  Partner Category
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  Business and Investment Category

Documents Required for PR in New Zealand

The following are the documents required for the New Zealand Permanent Residency application form:

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  Offer letter: Job offer letter including details of your employer, working hours, pay scale, position, and other required information.

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  Character certificate: You need to have a good certificate character provided by a law enforcement agency like Police.

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  Medical report: Medical proof to show that you are fit and healthy.

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  Relationship evidence: If your basis for a visa is the relationship with a partner, then you need to show evidence that you have genuine and a stable relationship with the person.

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  English proficiency: You must have a TOEFL / IELTS test score to prove your English language proficiency.

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  New Zealand Qualification Report.

How to Apply for New Zealand PR From India

To apply for New Zealand PR from India, you need to make sure that you meet the eligibility criteria mentioned above and then you have to proceed with the application process. Following is the application process for New Zealand PR from India:

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  Create a RealMe account (On New Zealand Immigration).
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  Fill in the details accurately and make sure that it is updated.
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  Then you need to upload all the documents that are required such as ID proof, health certificates, and job offers.
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  Then, you have to pay the New Zealand Permanent Residency application fees.
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  You will be connected by the NZ visa authority through email and will share the update with you. Make sure you keep checking your email for any updates.

Benefits of a New Zealand Permanent Residence VISA

Following are some of the most important benefits of NZ permanent residency VISA:

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  Living, working, traveling, and studying in New Zealand have no restrictions and no boundaries.
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  Social security benefits will be provided to you.
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  You can also avail of medical facilities at reduced rates, which is another great advantage.
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  Your children will be eligible for free education at state-run schools and universities
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  You can also sponsor your relatives to apply for a permanent resident visa, however, they should meet the resident and support eligibility criteria
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  Another great advantage is that you can apply for permanent New Zealand citizenship. For that, you have to stay in the country for several years and have fulfilled the basic criteria like proficiency in English, good communicative skills, good character and clear intent to continue staying in the country.
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  If your children are born in New Zealand, they will automatically gain citizenship of the country by birth

New Zealand PR Points System

Obtaining a New Zealand visa is a direct process and can be done by applying to the New Zealand government website. We recommend you apply through the official channel instead of contacting agents or the visa bureau as they will charge an additional fee. The eligibility for the visa depends on your point score, which is measured by the PR system, formed by the New Zealand government. Points are based on the following criteria:

There is a provision for ITA (Invitation to Apply) if you secure 160 or more points. The minimum criteria for submission is 100 to 135, but it does not guarantee an ITA.

Student Visa

There are different types of Student ‘Study’ visas. The most popular is the Fee Paying Student Visa. and it is valid for up to four years. It allows you to live by yourself, pay the fee for your courses, and enroll with a valid education provider.

Another visa, which allows you to work part-time as well is also quite popular. This visa comes under the category of ‘More than 6 Months of Study”. This includes part-time work up to 20 hours permitted in a week. It can be alongside studying or as a full-time job in the holidays, all mentioned on the visa conditions.

However, do note that this Student Visa lasts only for the same duration of time as the postgraduate study. Any stay post this duration requires either another study visa or a work visa or to end the chaos, a Permanent Residency.

Click here to get more insights on New Zealand Student Visa Process

New Zealand PR Process

The permanent residency (PR) setup allows you to live, study as well as work in New Zealand as a native. You gain access to school education and health care. Others are living options and free entry and exit from the country.

The PR process is straightforward. First of all, the PR is accessible only to those who have had two years or more of a valid Resident’s visa. The basic requirements are simple such as good character, fifty-five years of age or under, a job offer, and relevant work experience. Specific categories for PR applications:

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  Family Visa in the Family Category: This is for those who are planning to migrate to New Zealand along with their spouse and children.

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  Skilled Migrant Category or SMC: This is for all the foreigners, who are keen on migrating and settling in New Zealand. Under this category, the SMC visa is valid for 24 months and converts to a PR with ease after settling in New Zealand. You can get your Citizenship five years after you get New Zealand PR status.

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  Business and Investment Category with Entrepreneurial and Investment-driven visas. Each category has different requirements, duration, and application process. 

Steps for Permanent Residency in New Zealand

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  Get a Resident Visa: First, you need to apply under categories like Skilled Migrant, Work to Residence, Business/Investment, or Family.

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  Hold resident status: You need to maintain your resident visa for at least two years, to get resident status.

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  Show commitment: You need to prove your ties to New Zealand through residence, employment, business, or family connections.

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  Apply for PR: Once eligible, apply for a Permanent Resident Visa for indefinite stay and work rights.

Processing Time and Fees to Get PR in New Zealand

The time taken for approval of permanent residency in New Zealand depends on the category of Visa. Here is category wise breakdown of the processing time for permanent residency in New Zealand, these are the estimated timelines, however, the actual timelines may vary depending on the documents and their processing time:

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  For Skilled Migrant category: Invitation to Apply (ITO) within 3 weeks
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  For Residence applications: within 15 months
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  For Business visa: 8-10 months
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  For Investor 1 Plus: within 3 months

The fees required for applying the PR in New Zealand depend on the applicant’s nationality. For Indian nationals, it is around NZD 315

Timing and Address of New Zealand’s Visa Application Centre in India

However, it is recommended that you check the official VFS Global website or contact them directly for the most updated and accurate information.

Read Also:

• 
  Path to Permanent Residency in Canada
• 
  Path to Permanent Residency in Germany
• 
  Path to Permanent Residency in Ireland
• 
  Path to Permanent Residency in United-Kingdom
• 
  Path to Permanent Residency in US
• 
  Path to Permanent Residency in Australia

Frequently Asked Questions